Case Study: DARPA achieves chip-scale atomic clock miniaturization with Benchmark Electronics

DARPA develops a chip-scale atomic clock 100x smaller with Benchmark Electronics

The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) sought to dramatically miniaturize atomic clock technology for portable defense and commercial applications, requiring a partner to solve complex microfabrication and manufacturing challenges. They engaged Benchmark Electronics for its engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities to develop a manufacturable chip-scale atomic clock.

Benchmark collaborated closely with DARPA's team over several years, employing creative MEMS and microfabrication processes to vacuum-seal rubidium in a glass cell and adapt standard equipment for unique components. This partnership resulted in a functional atomic clock roughly the size of a deck of cards, ready for mass production at a lower cost, with significantly reduced size and power consumption compared to previous generations.

Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA)